Lighting Regulations in Whitefish, Montana: Preserving the Mountain Night Sky

Introduction

Nestled in the scenic Flathead Valley, Whitefish, Montana has evolved from its railway origins in 1905 to become a vibrant community that carefully balances growth with the preservation of its natural and historical assets. The town's approach to lighting regulations reflects this commitment to maintaining both safety and the pristine mountain environment.

Whitefish's lighting standards aim to protect the ability to view the night sky—a natural treasure in this mountain town—while ensuring sufficient illumination for safety and security. These regulations acknowledge the importance of appropriate lighting in preserving the community's character and natural beauty.

Quick Reference Guide

The most important lighting requirements in Whitefish include:

• LED Requirements: Energy efficient "warm-white" or filtered LED lights with color temperature below 3,000K and S/P ratio under 1.2
• Full Cutoff Fixtures: Most exterior lighting must use full cutoff luminaires with downcast light sources
• Prohibited Types: Mercury vapor lights, roof illumination, and internally illuminated signs
• Operating Hours: Nonessential lighting encouraged to be turned off after business hours
• Light Trespass: All lighting must be designed to prevent light from crossing property boundaries

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Purpose and Applicability

Whitefish's lighting standards (Section 11-3-25) apply to all residential, commercial, industrial, and other lighting on both public and private property within the city's jurisdiction. The regulations aim to:

• Provide safe roadways for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians
• Protect against direct glare and excessive lighting
• Ensure sufficient lighting for safety and security
• Prevent light trespass throughout the city

Core Requirements

All exterior lighting in Whitefish must be designed to prevent:

• Over-lighting
• Energy waste
• Glare
• Light trespass
• Skyglow

The regulations emphasize using the minimum lighting necessary for safety while protecting the night sky that makes Whitefish special.

Energy Efficiency Focus

Turning off nonessential lighting after business hours is strongly encouraged. The city recommends:

• Using timers to control lighting
• Installing sensor-activated lights for security purposes
• Reducing light levels during non-business hours

Technical Specifications for Different Lighting Types

Fixture Requirements

Most exterior lighting must use full cutoff luminaires with the light source downcast and fully shielded. Limited exceptions exist for low-output fixtures:

• Fixtures up to 400 lumens (45 watts): May be unshielded with clear lens, but top must be opaque
• Fixtures up to 1,000 lumens (60 watts): Must be partially shielded with opaque lens and no visible bulb

Floodlights

• Must have external shielding
• Cannot direct light above a 25° angle measured from vertical
• Cannot cause glare or shine on adjacent properties
• Recommended to use photocells with timers to turn off by 11:00 PM or 30 minutes after business closing

Parking Area Lighting

• Encouraged to use more fixtures at lower heights and lower light levels
• Standard height limit: 17 feet
• Heights between 17-30 feet require special approval
• Must not exceed building height
• Must use energy-efficient "warm-white" or filtered LED lights (CCT <3,000K)

LED Lighting Specifications

All LED lighting must meet these specifications:

• Color Temperature: Under 3,000K (warm white)
• S/P Ratio: Less than 1.2
• Shielding: Fully shielded when possible
• Control: Fixtures not necessary for security should use motion sensors or be turned off during non-business hours

Special Lighting Considerations

Residential Properties

Front yard freestanding lights:

• Purpose must be to light the street or guide visitors
• Cannot exceed 8 feet in height
• Must be properly shielded
• Motion-activated lights preferred

Side and rear yard lights:

• Must be set back from property line by at least the height of the pole
• Should be motion-activated

Lakeshore Protection Zone

Whitefish has strict regulations for lighting near the lake:

• Pathway Lighting: Low voltage only, maximum 2 feet in height, downcast and shielded
• Dock Lighting: No permanent lighting allowed on docks
• General Requirement: All lighting must be dark skies compliant
• Light Direction: Must reflect away from abutting properties and the lakeshore

Holiday Lighting

• Encouraged to be turned off by 11:00 PM or business closing
• Flashing holiday lights on residential properties are discouraged
• Holiday lights defined as strings of individual lamps at least 3 inches apart with output not greater than 15 lumens per lamp

Sign Lighting Regulations

Whitefish has strict regulations regarding sign illumination:

• Internal Illumination: Prohibited for both signs and individual letters in most districts
• Neon: Prohibited in the Community Business and Resort District
• Preferred Approach: Externally lit wood signs or signs made of natural materials
• Direction: Downward, recessed lighting encouraged as primary means of sign lighting
• Hours: Reduction or turning off sign lighting during non-operating hours encouraged
• Prohibited: Use of neon or other lighting arranged around buildings or signs to attract attention

Supporting Whitefish's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the delicate balance Whitefish seeks to maintain between adequate illumination for safety and preserving the town's mountain character and dark skies. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that value their natural heritage.

Our expertise aligns with Whitefish's commitment to responsible lighting practices that respect the environment while meeting practical needs. We recognize that in mountain communities like Whitefish, proper lighting design must account for unique considerations including wildlife impacts, seasonal changes, and tourism needs.

Bock serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations and can help property owners understand how to maintain compliance while achieving their illumination goals. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices mirrors Whitefish's vision for preserving its mountain town character.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Requirements

All new developments must submit lighting plans to the zoning administrator showing:

• Location and type of fixtures
• Height of fixtures
• Lumen output
• Illuminance levels

Bringing Properties Into Compliance

• All existing non-conforming exterior lighting must be brought into conformance
• If violations are found, owners have 90 days to make corrections

Enforcement Process

The zoning administrator reviews lighting plans and determines compliance. Property owners who fail to comply may receive notices requiring abatement of violations within the specified timeframe.

Conclusion

Whitefish's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to maintaining its character as a picturesque mountain town while ensuring safety and functionality. By balancing the need for adequate illumination with the desire to preserve dark skies, these standards help protect what makes Whitefish special.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to the town's unique charm and quality of life. The lighting standards may seem detailed, but they serve the important purpose of preserving Whitefish's natural beauty and mountain character for residents and visitors alike.